Friday, December 20, 2013

See your home in a new light

(NC) They call it mood lighting for a reason. Whether
it's a cozy and intimate den or a bright and functional work space,
choosing the right location, wattage, and fixtures is one of the most
important design decisions you can make.

And with the news that incandescent light bulbs are
being transitioned out across the country, now is the best time for a
re-evaluation of your lighting needs. According to the experts at The
Home Depot, the right lighting for every space is as easy as following
these trusted tips.

Setting the scene: Each room should
have a mood that reflects its use. Direct or task lighting focuses on a
workspace, like a countertop; and ambient or indirect lighting is used
to create atmosphere, for example in a dining area. Remember to vary the
brightness levels in different areas of a room to help prevent
"lighting fatigue" which often occurs in shadow-less spaces, such as
conference rooms.

The layering effect: Using a variety
of light sources in a room creates a multitasking space – from under
cabinet kitchen lights for prepping meals to pendant lights for homework
and casual entertaining. Start with ambient light to evenly
illuminate, then spotlight work areas with directional lighting. Accent
and decorative lights, such as chandeliers and lamps, bring it all
together.

Go for drama: Why not add a crystal
chandelier to an ensuite bath or emphasize a wood-beam with focused
accent lighting. Creating drama is all about up-lighting to focus
attention on important elements like a fireplace, painting, or an
architectural detail.

Multi-directional: Consider using directional lightingon
countertops, kitchen islands, dressers and seating areas to add
interest. Reduce shadows without creating the “office” effect by
training recessed fixtures on the table and chandelier in the dining
area, or down-lights directly over sinks and vanities.

Dimming for dollars: Dimmers are the
quickest fix for setting the mood and won't break the bank. And as the
days get shorter and we need more lights on, switching to high
efficiency bulbs will help reduce the monthly bills. In fact, why not
try out the latest in LED, CFL, or halogen technology? The lighting
department at The Home Depot has a wide selection of bulbs including the
options from manufacturers like Philips and Cree.